EPV Online Mindfulness Summer Course for Primary School Teachers

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Course Overview

Who is this course for?

This science backed 20 hour Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course for teachers is based on the SPHE area of the school curriculum. It draws on research and best practices in the fields of Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Positive Psychology, thereby offering deeper and longer lasting results in the areas of mindfulness, wellbeing and relaxation both on a personal level, and in the classroom. It teaches many skills and provides resources for teachers and children.

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Why is Mindfulness so important in Schools?

Mindfulness for the Teacher

Mindfulness is vital for self-care of the teacher. Under the current stresses of teaching it is estimated that nearly 50% of new teachers leave the profession within their first five years of teaching due to stress and burnout. This is a loss to both the teacher who has come to teaching through their passion to educate young people, and also to the education system in which they operate. This burnout affects the profession at a time when, more than ever, we a need workforce of calm, supportive, and understanding teachers.

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Mindfulness for the Student

Mindfulness enhances every student's life, not just particular students who may experience behavioural, emotional, psychological or social difficulties. Many children now present in school with challenging behaviours due to the demands of modern life, which may render the classroom situation as a place of difficulty . It should be understood that even being the straight 'A' student and general all-rounder, also brings its own inherent pressures. The benefit of Mindfulness is that it is non-stigmatising and can be offered to all students, with benefits for all. With 75% of mental illness commencing in the teenage years and occurring before the age of 24, it is of vital importance that our children learn Mindfulness as an early intervention which gives them the tools for physical, emotional and psychological wellness.

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What does the course consist of?

This Mindfulness Training course is primarily based on the Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Course, from Oxford Mindfulness Centre. (MBCT). Key elements from the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programme (MBSR) from University of Massachussets are also an integral part of the course.

Our course is designed in line with contemporary research which indicates that when tools from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Positive Psychology are combined with Mindfulness the results obtained are deeper and are longer-lasting. Positive Psychology should not be confused with positive thinking. The former is evidence based and offers many scientifically validated tools which allow individuals to flourish.

Current research findings state that an absence of negative thinking does not automatically lead to a state of happiness - instead the role of psycho-education is of utmost importance to educators and students so they can operate to their full human potential, with increased well-being and resilience.

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Benefits of our Mindfulness course for Teachers and Pupils

Enhanced well-being and resilience.

Reduced stress, anxiety and depression.

Increased optimism.

Improved emotional regulation.

Greater access to positive emotions.

Less stress both in school and personal life.

Increased focus, concentration and attention skills.

Strengths based assessment tool allowing teachers and pupils know and operate from a strengths basis.

Improved relationships and social skills.

The ability to use Mindfulness to deal with emotional and mental states such as low mood, social pressures, anxious thinking.

Course Content

Module 1

Mindfulness assessment to measure current levels of Mindfulness.

What Mindfulness is and how to begin your Mindfulness practice immediately.

How to teach Mindfulness to children Lesson 1: Mindful Bodies, Mindful Classroom.

Learn the science and teaching of the Breathing Meditation.

Audio and written script of meditation 1 for Teacher's personal use.

Audio and written script of meditation 1 for Children.

Module 2

Neuroplasticity - How what we think shapes our brain.

Thoughts are not Facts - the interplay of thoughts/feelings/emotions.

Gratitude research and Attitude of Gratitude exercise.

How to teach Mindfulness to children Lesson 2: - How your Brain Works.

Responding versus Reacting.

Learn the science and teaching of the Body Scan Meditation.

How to teach Mindfulness to children Lesson 3 - Body Scan Meditation.

Audio and written script of meditation 2 for Teacher's personal use.

Audio and written script of meditation 2 for Children.

Module 3

Paying attention to the present, not the past or future.

Bringing Mindfulness to physical exercise.

How to incorporate Mindfulness at mealtimes for healthy living.

10 Key Unhelpful Thinking Styles and how to use Mindfulness to avoid them.

Accessing the state of Flow for optimum happiness and wellbeing.

Strengths Assessment Test for teachers and children.

How to teach Mindfulness to children Lesson 4 - Mindfulness of Senses.

How to teach Mindfulness to children Lesson 5 - Mindfulness of Thoughts.

Audio and written script of meditation 3 for Teacher's personal use.

Audio and written script of meditation 3 for Children.

Module 4

Mindfulness Research from Neuroscience.

Positive Psychology & Resilience Toolkit.

Teaching Mindfulness to Children Lesson 6 - Grow the Good.

Sample checklists for use in school SSE Process.

Audio and written script of meditation 4 for Teacher's personal use.

Audio and written script of meditation 4 for Children.

Module 5

Learning Self-compassion for the Teacher to reduce stress and burnout.

Teaching Mindfulness to Children Lesson 7 - Empathy & Compassion.

Teaching Mindfulness to Children Lesson 8- Kindness to self and others.

Sample Questionnaires for use in school SSE Process.

Audio and written script of meditation 5 for Teacher's personal use.

Audio and written script of meditation 5 for Children.

Mindfulness assessment to measure post-course levels of Mindfulness.

A Mindfulness Toolkit to continue your practice of Mindfulness in personal and school life.

Five Module Online Mindfulness Course

This 5 module online program concurrently introduces course participants to the key concepts of Mindfulness, for both teachers and students. Through this participants will establish their own Mindfulness practice, and on seeing and feeling the benefits of this practice will then be both qualified and committed to offer Mindfulness as a practice to pupils.

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The course consists of 5 modules delivered individually in an online format for self-paced learning.

In order to support participants there will be opportunities for 1-1 online interactions with course tutors for the duration of the course.

To enhance your learning about Mindfulness, you will be required in modules 1, 3 and 5 to participate in an online discussion board, which will focus on a key element of Mindfulness.

In modules 2, 4 and 5 you will be asked to reflect on your progress through the course, during each of these weeks you will be required to submit an online short account (maximum of 300 words) about how Mindfulness is influencing you on a personal and professional level.

A commitment to shared learning and appreciation of Mindfulness in an online environment is a key element of this course.

You can download all materials used within this course.

Post-course support is provided via a closed Facebook group of like-minded professionals who have completed this training.

Course delivery will comprise of differing media formats to provide a more engaging and personal experience. You will need access to a PC, iMac or MacBook or windows based tablet to engage with the course content - only basic computing skills are required and support can be provided if necessary. ​

Total course duration is 20 hours.

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Please note Completion of all five modules is necessary to qualify for the award of the Certificate in Mindfulness for Schools, from the the Irish Mindfulness Academy.

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​Course runs during Summer starting 2nd July 2020.

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* Please ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions when booking a course with the Irish Mindfulness Academy

We reserve the right to reschedule a course in the unlikely event that the need arises - please note this has never happened in twenty one years of delivering Mindfulness Courses in Ireland and UK.